It was also revealed that the cause of the service disruption was the result of human error when an experienced electrician was installing a new circuit breaker for the new Evergreen Line, which is scheduled to open in summer 2016.

While performing the work, he accidentally tripped the main breaker that fed the critical systems at SkyTrain’s operations centre near Edmonds Station. The details of the incident are still being reviewed, and the electrician responsible has been suspended.

The error caused a complete wide shut down of the automatic train control, including the ability to use the public announcement system to communicate with passengers on trains and the station platforms.

The regional transportation agency says every available bus was utilized. According to some bus drivers, some buses serving existing routes were also canceled to implement the ‘bus bridge’ shuttles along the route of the SkyTrain lines.

“Our trains are reliable 95% of the time, but we know that is little consolation for customers who are delayed for hours when we do have a significant breakdown,” said Doug Kelsey, TransLink Chief Operating Officer.

“Two major disruptions in one week is unprecedented, and the two incidents are completely unrelated.”

More details about Free Transit Day on B.C. Day (Monday, August 4) will be released at a later date.